RIP Alex Chilton

Power pop legend Alex Chilton died of what is speculated as a heart attack at the age of 59 yesterday. Getting his start in the 60's group, The Box Tops, Chilton would go on to form the band Big Star - a band who although not wildly popular at the time, would go on to influence countless musicians that would later originate the alternative rock sound. Their albums #1 Record (1972), Radio City (1974), and Third/Sister Lovers (1978 - delayed release) have become power pop touchstones. After the dissolution of Big Star, Chilton produced Gravest Hits and Songs The Lord Taught Us by psychobilly outfit, The Cramps, before drifting into obscurity. After a detour into minimalist, post modern jazz, Chilton went on to reform Big Star (albeit a renewed lineup) in the 90's for several tours and one new album, In Space (2005). This past fall, the band released a box set titled Keep An Eye In The Sky, featuring 98 tracks, including 52 unreleased cuts. In honor of Chilton, I've included a few of my favorite Big Star tracks here, as well as The Replacements tribute to the songwriter.